Safe Driving in the Outback

Safe Driving in the Outback means Come Well Prepared

The Australian Outback is a vast area with limited facilities. This means that travellers need to plan their trip. Some of the things you need to remember include:

• 4 - 5 litres of water per person per day (preferably in at least two containers
• A detailed recent road map (it is a good idea to keep track of your mileage so you always know where you are).
• Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical running order and that you ave a collection of spare parts and tools (you may be able to find a bush mechanic, but not the parts). Make sure your tyres are suitable for unsealed roads and that you have at least two spares.
• Check on road conditions with local Shires or Main Roads, especially in wet weather.
• Always notify someone of your travel plans and of any changes you make to your itinerary. When your journeys over let your travel buddy (be it police, car hire firm or friends) know.
• If your vehicle breaks down or cannot be driven such as when bogged then always stay with the vehicle, (during searches a vehicle is easier to spot from the air than a person under a tree).
• Remember to take regular breaks from driving to keep refreshed and admire the sights.

Speed limits vary across the State, however the maximum limit is 110 kilometres per hour.

Major metropolitan arterial roads are generally capped at 60 kilometres per hour while suburban streets are almost exclusively limited to 50 kilometres per hour.

School zones are clearly marked and restricted to 40 kilometres per hour for two hour periods at the beginning and end of the school day.

The Western Australia Police Service employs radar and other speed monitoring devices, and fines are enforceable – even for visitors

Road Conditions

Unsealed roads can change condition quickly without warning. Dust can obscure other vehicles, so slowing down on dirt roads is the safest option and you get to see more.

If you are tempted to leave your seat belt of then DONT. Accidents do happen on outback roads and you are much better off "Belted Up". Make sure your passengers wear their seat belts too.

If flood waters cover the road, then only attempt the crossing if you absolutely must and you have first checked that it is safe to do so. Every year travellers lose their vehicles and/or lives to misadventure, making unsafe crossings of flooded roads. If checking depths and water speed before attempting to drive across always use a safety line.

Outback Pedestrians

Nearly 50% of vehicle crashes reported to police in Western Australia are vehicle versus animals. Even a minor collision with an animal can disable your vehicle and necessitate expensive repairs.

Kangaroos are prevalent, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Emus are unpredictable and often have a mate following close behind. Cattle like to camp on roads of a night and are hard to see.

It is best to travel of a day and slow down in populated areas. Other animals you may see that may be hazardous to motorists include wild goats, camels and large eagles feeding on road kill.

The Neighbours

Always stay on gazetted roads unless you have personal permission from pastoralists to wander. Leave gates as you find them. Avoid lighting fires. Do not camp on water points as you may find yourself visited by a large, thirsty and angry bull. Worse still you may frighten the stock off watering. When stopped, always have your dogs on a lead.

Remember baits are laid for wild and stray dogs. No dogs are allowed in any of our National Parks. Take all of your rubbish with you. And remember the pastoral stations are peoples homes and places of business, so please respect their privacy and commitment to the pastoral industry.

Outback people are notoriously friendly and helpful, but travelling motorists in their backyard must aim to be as self sufficient as possible.

For further information or to order a copy of a free outback road safety survival guide please contact RoadWise on 9213 2066.